First aid for a VSME request: 3 steps to help you now

When your customer asks for a sustainability data request, all sorts of questions probably come to mind. The VSME is a solution to that. But what is the VSME in the first place? Where do I get this information from and, above all, what do I do with that first VSME request? MVO Nederland lays out three steps for you, so you will soon be able to tell that one customer exactly what you are doing in terms of environmental, social and operational aspects.

Received a VSME request: what now?  

You open your mail and see a request from a customer to provide 'VSME information' or 'sustainability data to VSME standard'. Don't panic - you're not the only one and it's less complicated than it seems.

What is VSME?

CSRD, CSDDD - the abbreviations are now flying around entrepreneurs' ears. VSME stands for Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard for SMEs and is intended for SMEs (50-250 employees) that want to voluntarily report on their sustainability efforts. VSME is thus not an official obligation, like the CSRD, but a tool for structured mapping of sustainability data. Many SMEs do get questions about sustainability sooner or later - for instance from financiers or as a supplier of a CSRD-compliant company. VSME then helps to provide relevant data easily.

More on the VSME

Step 1: Give yourself time 

Send a short reply immediately: "Thanks for your request. We will look into this and get back to you with a schedule within [X days]." 

 

How much time do you ask for? 

  • For deadline <2 weeks: request 3-5 working days 

  • For deadline >1 month: request 1-2 weeks 

  • No deadline mentioned? Ask for deadline 

These are the most frequently asked questions about VSME >

Step 2: Check which module they need 

VSME has two options: 

  • Basic module: core environmental, social and governance data 

  • Comprehensive module: more extensive reporting with more detail 

 

Ask your customer this: "You are asking for VSME reporting. Do you need the basic module, or also the supplementary module? And are there any specific topics you would like additional focus on?" 

 

Tip: Always start with the basic module. If they need more, they can specify. 

Want to start collecting? This is where you get VSME data.

Step 3: Determine if it is urgent 

Want to start your VSME reporting? Download the package that will get you started here.

Do the VSME Readiness Check

Want to know how prepared your organisation already is for VSME requirements? With our short online scan, you will find out in just 3 minutes where you stand now and what next steps you can take.

Do the check here